15 Australian programs that can cut the cost of your AI project - tax incentives, matched grants and free advisory programs. As Queensland Government AI Mentors since 2024, we'll help you find the right one.
The best fit for professional services firms with 10-80 staff investing in AI automation and consulting.
AusIndustry · Federal Government
Refundable tax offset of up to 43.5% for companies under $20M turnover building novel AI solutions. Covers R&D staff salaries, contractor fees, materials and overheads.
CSIRO · Federal Government
You put in up to $50,000, CSIRO matches it dollar-for-dollar. Funds a collaborative R&D project with CSIRO researchers in machine learning and AI.
CSIRO + USC · Queensland-specific
Up to $50,000 matched funding for QLD SMEs collaborating with regional universities including USC. Ideal for Sunshine Coast businesses building AI with local research expertise.
Want the funding and the build? We can help you apply for RUIC AND build the AI system.
Queensland Government
$5,000 grant (excl GST) paid upfront. Covers coaching, training, strategic marketing, website builds, and digital improvement. Can cover initial AI advisory sessions.
ATO · Federal Government
Immediate tax deduction for assets under $20,000 per asset. Covers computers, hardware, and potentially software licences used for AI implementation. Multiple assets allowed.
Depending on your size, industry and project scope, these may also apply.
$50K - $5M matched
AusIndustry. Early-stage commercialisation and growth funding. Rolling applications. Under $20M turnover. ~90% of pool projected spent by June 2026.
Free 8-week program
QLD Government + CSIRO. Launched March 2026. Free access to CSIRO research expertise for innovation and AI. Covers digital, robotics, and AI streams.
Up to $80K/year
Austrade. Covers marketing, travel, and market research for exporting services. If you're selling AI consulting to NZ, Asia, or beyond. Lifetime cap $770K.
$50K - $75K matched
For high-growth QLD businesses. Under 20 employees, $500K-$10M turnover. Must demonstrate 20% annual growth. Equipment-focused but may cover specialised AI software.
Subsidised advisory sessions
Up to 4 hours of subsidised digital advice. Currently paused until July 2026. For small businesses with fewer than 20 FTE employees.
$10K - $25K
Covers up to 50% of innovation event budgets. Could fund AI workshops, masterclasses, or innovation events in Queensland. Watch for next round.
Free program
Accelerator support for startups and businesses using AI, across all sectors. Open for 2026 registrations.
Free AIML engineering time
South Australian businesses only. Free access to Australian Institute for Machine Learning engineering time. Two streams: AI Road Map and ML Innovate. Active until 2028.